Women are topping the charts year round, but there’s no better time to celebrate their accomplishments and tune into some new artists than Women’s History Month.
Bringing innovation and exciting energy to their field, these five powerhouse women musicians are great additions to your next playlist.
1. boygenius
Composed of artists Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Daucus, indie rock group boygenius is a powerhouse of sound. These three women excel as soloists, but altogether have created a cohesive yet genre-bending set of songs that are sure to appeal to a wide variety of listeners. And, while their identities aren’t a main focal point of their music, Baker, Bridgers and Daucus are all openly queer women, making this group a standout example of LGBTQ+ representation within the industry. boygenius was formed in 2018 and released their first self-titled EP soon after. Their first full album, the record, will be released on March 31, 2023 – the perfect soundtrack to close out Women’s History Month.
Songs to check out: Me & My Dog, Not Strong Enough
2. Sarah kinsley
While you might not recognize her name, anyone on TikTok during the summer of 2021 may recognize the triumphant chorus of Sarah Kinsley’s most popular song, “The King.” Kinsley released the song as part of an EP under the same name, which featured five equally dreamy tunes. Stunning melodies and rousingly honest lyrics are signature to Kinsley’s music, and her more recent work is proof that she only gets better with time. Her latest release, a single titled “The Giver,” is a must-listen.
Songs to check out: Karma, The King
3. Rina sawayama
Rina Sawayama is a multi-talented singer and actress who can’t be defined by any one genre. From the gaudy and ironic pop anthem “XS” to the emotional and cathartic “Minor Feelings,” Sawayama never shies away from experimentation across her music. Her 2022 album Hold the Girl explores important messages about familial relationships, honoring her Asian, first-generation British identity in a way that any listener may relate to. Her most recent work can be seen and heard in John Wick 4, playing the role of Akira and also featuring on the movie’s soundtrack.
Songs to check out: Comme Des Garçons (Like the Boys), Send My Love To John
4. quinnie
Another artist who you might have heard while scrolling through TikTok, quinnie is an up-and-comer with an ocean’s worth of potential. Her viral single “touch tank” skyrocketed her listenership in 2022, and her outstanding debut album flounder is proof that she is more than just a one-hit wonder. quinnie manages to address issues like unfulfilling, toxic relationships while still infusing hope and wonder at all the world has to offer within her vivid lyricism. She’s an artist guaranteed to keep things real: we all need a little escapism now and then.
Songs to check out: flounder, man
5. umi
Tierra Umi Wilson’s music may be soft and sweet, but it packs a punch. Her angelic vocals and mellow R&B sound lend themselves well to melancholy lyrics about complicated relationships and self-discovery. UMI’s 2022 album Forest in the City is a prime example of her development as an artist, showcasing her songwriting capabilities and an exploration of more refreshing, energetic tunes like “wish that i could.” If you enjoy SZA’s music, UMI is a perfect vibe match.
Songs to check out: say im ur luv, Love Affair
Whether you’re looking for relaxing melodies to cozy up with on a lazy day or electric sounds for your next night out, these five exceptional artists might be the key to perfecting your music queue (while also celebrating all the great achievements of women, this month and beyond).